A review of national laws covering energy efficiency shows they are successfully reducing power bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act) regulates the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment by setting minimum energy performance standards and energy rating label requirements.

The review found that the GEMS Act is achieving its purpose of providing a streamlined nationally-consistent approach to appliance energy efficiency while effectively reducing energy use, power bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

The review found for the GEMS Act to continue to meet its objectives, and reduce costs of living for Australian households, its operation will need to adapt to changing market conditions and requirements.

Consumers are at the centre of the Government's energy policy and we are taking strong action to drive down prices by improving energy efficiency.

The Government has announced $67 million in energy efficiency initiatives, including:

• The Energy Efficient Communities Program, which will deliver $50 million of grants to assist businesses and community organisations to improve energy efficient practices and technologies and reduce their power bills.
• $6.5 million to introduce an energy rating label to space heating appliances.
• $3.4 million to improve the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes, and $7.1 million to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings.'

The Government welcomes this report, and thanks the independent reviewer Ms'Anna Collyer, Partner and Head of Innovation at Allens, for the extensive consultation process undertaken.

The Review will help guide the Government in delivering further energy savings for households and businesses.'

The final report contains a number of recommendations to improve the Act, which the Government will consider before publishing a response.

Visit www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/energy-productivity-and-energy-efficiency/gems-act-review to access the final report.